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Considering the Forecasted depth and snow density, the Winter months seem like the forbidden season to plant veggies in your garden.
But if you live in Arizona, the climate is much warmer than most cities. This is why most gardeners (who can seize this opportunity) still enjoy their diet with seasonal, nutrient-packed veggies all winter.
And a big part of their success is they target and plant cold-hardy vegetables that can thrive REALLY well during this tormenting season.
So all you need to do is know what vegetables grow in Arizona Winter and plant them. Here is the complete list of cool season vegetables —A to Z
What Vegetables Grow In Arizona Winter (The Complete List)
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Artichokes, Globe
- Beans, Snap/Bush/Green
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bok Choy/Pak Choi
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Chard
- Collard Greens
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Endive
- Fennel
- Kohlrabi
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce, Head & Leaf
- Mustard Greens
- Onions, Bulb
- Onions, Green/Scallions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rutabagas
- Spinach
- Turnips
Each of these veggies relishes the frost —like pigs rolling in mud. They even take on a sweeter taste during the winter.
Unfortunately, we CAN NOT discuss all of these winter greens because we won’t go home today.
However, what we can do is touch on the eight most popular vegetables grown during the winter by Arizona gardeners.
Let’s jump to it together!
1. Lettuce
If you love your greens, Lettuce should be at the top of your list, as they are famous for giving salads their base.
And Lettuce is one of the most successfully grown vegetables in Arizona winter —especially the butterhead, Loose Leaf, and Boston varieties.
Any of these Lettuce can be harvested and enjoyed all year round. And they seem to be aggressive growers —as though the more you harvest them, the more they grow.
Lettuce is even a low-maintenance vegetable.
You don’t need fertilizers to increase crop yields. They are good on any soil; you only water them nicely once a week.
And they are perfect for even gardens with little space or spacious urban gardening. Whether you want them outdoors in containers, raised garden beds, or even indoors, they will replenish the dinner table with fresh and healthy Lettuce.
But you have to be watchful of deer, squirrels, and rabbits. They all love their lettuce. You also have to keep an eye out for pests.
2. Kale
Kale deserves the first spot because it is one of those adaptive vegetables.
No matter how flurry the snow gets, Kale will thrive and provide a bountiful yield, particularly the Ornamental, Red Russian, Curly, and Lacinato variants.
Like Lettuce, you can make Kale available throughout the year for your home.
Almost all gardeners in Arizona are going for it in the winter. But the most likely culprits that will hamper healthy produce are “Aphids.”
They are one of those insects you don’t want, as they can stunt or kill the veggie.
3. Peas
If you wish to grow some Peas, make sure it is either snow peas, English peas, or Sugar snap peas.
These are the types that thrive well in the cold. Try growing them in late fall or early winter if you want them even tastier.
And lucky for you, Peas are most suited for vertical gardening —which is popular gardening in Arizona.
But they are much appreciated when raised in garden beds. Peas glow cluttering; they don’t need much room.
You can also have them grow alongside other plants and vegetables.
4. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is Swiss chard. But if you are a green thumb, you understand a wide variety of them; and each comes with its colours, flavours, and crunch.
But the most planted variants are Fordhook Giant, Bright Lights, and Rhubarb Swiss chard.
They can have them in your garden all year, too —just that if you don’t protect them, peas and vegetable leaf miners will wind tunnels through the leaves, and you will have nothing left.
5. Arugula
Another popular vegetable to grow in Arizona winter is the Astro, Italian Cress, and Rocket Arugula.
They are very versatile veggies that don’t only thrive in the cold but also the heat. That said, you can plant them any time of the year.
Among other things, Arugula is an exceptional ground-cover vegetable. They suck up the space, leaving little or no room for weeds development.
Sadly, they are susceptible to birds, rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels raids. The problem is not with pests.
You will have to net or rodent spray them.
6. Carrots
Carrots also flourish during the winter. Whether it is the Purple, Denver, Yellow, or White carrots —all will succeed on the coldest night.
And if you wish to harvest aft the ground has frosted, they will happily come out. Harvest could circle anywhere later in summer to early winter. This means the crunch NEVER stops.
Moreover, carrots are ideal for small spaces. So if you have a small backyard, you can count on it to house as many carrots as possible.
The only drawback is the soil you choose. Loamy, sandy soil is a no-go area. Your carrots won’t do well.
And rabbits will definitely pay you a visit when everything seems to be growing fine.
7. Spinach
Spinach is a rockstar amongst other leafy greens. It basks in a pack of nutrients and flavor in any recipe.
So if you love your Spinach, winter is not an excuse. They are cold-hardy vegetables that thrive in Arizona’s coolest months.
The types widely planted are Flat, Semi-Savoy, and Savory Spinach. And they are all versatile enough to be grown in gardening pots on a patio, deck, or raised garden bed.
8. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is also great for Winter growers, particularly for raised garden beds.
The most popular Kohlrabi planted is the Kossak, Purple Vienna, and Azur Star Kohlrabi.
Although they don’t have the tolerance for insect attracts, you MUST constantly chase them away.
Also, your kohlrabi could become inedible, flower, and stunted whenever the weather becomes too hot.
Conclusion
So there you have it!
Whenever you’re running out of ideas on what vegetables grow in Arizona winter, this list is ALWAYS here to reflect on.
Mind you, there are other popular veggies to grow, like Green and Purple cabbage, broccoli, French, Tarzan, and Stela radishes —the list goes on.
It is also imperative to have background knowledge of Arizona’s hardiness zone. This gives you a vivid picture of the best vegetables that can thrive in the winter and produce bountiful yields.
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